The Dairy Farmers Association has announced a price hike of up to Rs 10 per litre in Lahore from next month.
After the increase, the wholesale price of buffalo milk will surge to Rs 220 per liter while cow milk will be sold at Rs 170 per liter after an increase of Rs 7.5. Mixed milk (cow and buffalo) will be sold at a wholesale rate of Rs195 per litre after an increase of Rs10.
The surge in wholesale rates will ultimately jack up the retail prices, putting additional burden on consumers in Lahore.
According to the official price list issued by the Deputy Commissioner, the approved rate for milk is Rs 170 per litre. However, there is a significant gap of up to Rs50 per liter between the official rate and the market rate.
President of the Dairy Farmers Association, Rafiq Gujar, stated that the prices will increase for one year.
On the other hand, the Milk Sellers Union has termed the increase as unjustified and announced to launch protests against it.
The union has urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice, warning that if the price hike decision is not withdrawn, milk supply will be suspended.